Somali Pirates Continue Long-Range Attacks

For the second day in a row, Somali pirates have attacked a ship in the northern Indian Ocean, nearly halfway between Somalia and India.

International piracy monitors say a Danish-flagged container ship, the MV Nele Maersk, came under attack Tuesday more than 1,800 kilometers east of Mogadishu.

The reports say pirates opened fire with assault rifles but the ship increased speed and escaped. No casualties were reported.

On Monday, Somali pirates attempted to hijack a crude oil tanker, the BW Lion, in the same area.

The pirates have gradually extended their reach using so-called mother ships, from which they launch small skiffs to carry out attacks and hijackings.

The European Union's anti-piracy force reports that Somali pirates have also attacked a container ship, the MV Felicitas Rickmers, east of Tanzania and west of the Seychelles islands. It says the crew took evasive maneuvers and escaped.